1. It's Not Just a Woman Thing
Most women get a bone density test as part of a regular gynecological exam. They are expected to experience bone loss and osteoporosis. But men get it too. There are more than two million men diagnosed with the degenerative bone disease in the United States alone right now and millions more undiagnosed because they do not get tested. It is true that fewer men than women get osteoporosis, but risk factors such as smoking, genetics, medication and lifestyle choices will affect men as much as women.
2. Take the Test
Most doctors don't even test for bone density in regular physicals given to men. Urge your doctor to give you a bone density test if you show any symptoms or know of a family history of osteoporosis. A simple measurement taken with a caliper on the ankle can give medical professionals an idea if you are at or near low bone density levels. The real test is done on an x-ray machine that is painless and noninvasive and covered by most insurance policies when risk is denoted.
3. Watch for Signs
Early signs of impending osteoporosis include a slight slope or stoop of the shoulders, a loss of height or sudden, unexplainable back pain. If you know that you have low testosterone levels, you should get checked for osteoporosis, because it's the male hormone that helps to prevent the disease. If during regular exercise routines, you break a bone that hasn't had any extra pressure put on it, that could be a sign of osteoporosis.
4. Meds for men
Most of the medications used for women are safe for men to take and have proven highly effective in stopping the acceleration of bone loss and even reversing the effects. Fosamax and Actonel are medications that you take once a week. After taking the pill, you must remain upright and do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes. Anabolic medications, such as Forteo, are proving effective to treat male osteoporosis. And you may even consider testosterone replacement therapy, which could help with other disorders affected by the low levels.
5. Strong Muscles, Strong Bones
The best treatment for bone loss is prevention. Stop smoking to ensure strong bones and better overall health in every category. Regular exercise, which includes weight lifting and weight-bearing aerobics, will work to assist the development and maintenance of strong bones. Make sure you get enough calcium and Vitamin C in your diet. Calcium supplements should always include some Vitamin D to help with absorption. If you're under 50, you should be getting 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day from a combination of diet and supplements. Men over 50 should up that amount to 1,200 milligrams.
